A TWO year old!

Sweet Emma turned 2 yesterday.....and I couldn't be more proud of this little girl.  She is growing to be the most caring, loving, and thoughtful girl.  I love her so much that my heart aches sometimes.  It is truly amazing that God has made this little girl just for Brent and I.

We both took the day off...it is something I did last year for her birthday and it is a tradition that we will carry out from now on.  I think since we are working, it is really important that we spend this ONE day with her.  I want her to feel loved and special everyday...but especially on this day.

My parents used to hang streamers from the doorway in my house, so I wanted to continue this tradition for Emma's birthday.

I had gotten her a crib for her stuffed animals (all a ploy to get her to tuck them in at night and NOT have them in her crib so she can focus on sleeping), and also a LeapFrog kids laptop.  I saw a woman shopping with one last week and her child was as content as can be in the stroller playing with this thing.  I stopped her and had to know what it was, where she got it, how much it was, the whole story!  Luckily, it is no expensive and I know Emma will love it.  I'm not judging here...but I refuse to let my 2 year old play with my $500 ipad...if only because it actually belongs to work!

 Sweet Virginia, who works with Brent, also had some presents for her to open - and she loved them!!

After opening, we went outside to play.....

The we showered, got dressed, and headed to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast!

Our plan that day was to take her to Build-A-Bear.  Of course, we walked into Southpoint to the spot where the store USED to be and found out if had closed there.  Seriously?  Good thing Crabtree had one and it was only a 25 minute drive.

Of course, Emma picked a dog...a beautiful golden retriever.  Brent and I are in trouble when she realizes that real dogs are options....

Fluffing her new dog!!

Walking out with her loot....

I don't know if she was more excited about the new dog or the box...

Afterwards, we headed home for a nap.  Then had a very small party at Chikfila because it was kids night!  Emma's still a little afraid of the cow...she loves to be near him...but won't hug or high five him yet.  She will "moo" at him though....I think that's a good sign!

No luck getting a good family photo...but not for lack of trying!!

Elsa from Frozen was one of the face paint/balloon art gals.....

Emma was not a fan of the balloon art...she wouldn't hold the flower at all.  

We had a blast spending this special day with her - I'm already wishing her birthday was more often!!!  Happy Birthday, Emma!!!

Girls weekend

Brent was out of town for work this past weekend, and I had a blast spending time with Emma.  Coincidentally, my parents were also out of town, so I was really solo for the weekend.  My dear friend, Jane, was an angel and came to spend the night with me.  I don't like to spend the night by myself, so I was super excited when she offered Friday afternoon.  We had a blast and I am truly grateful for her friendship.

 

Friday afternoon bubbles...Emma loves doing this!

 

Saturday evening, Jane made dinner for us and we walked to the park in her neighborhood.  Emma had a blast there - the slides were the perfect size and height off the ground, and we could slide double....she loved it!

 

Sunday morning, I decided I would take Emma to Jordan Lake to the beach out there.  I have been to Jordan Lake a gazillion times, but always in the boat.  So, I was excited to see what the beach would be like.

 

After we got dressed, I asked Emma to pose for a picture for daddy...this is what I got:)

 

We got to the lake around 10:30 and it was absolutely gorgeous out.  There was a slight breeze, low humidity, and the temperature was in the 80's.  As we were sitting in the car parking, Emma kept saying "get out!" and "beach!"

 

She loved it there and did a great job playing with me or by herself.  She never really made it past a few feet in the water...but loved the sand.  I can see us here pretty often in July if things at work pan out like they're supposed to.  There were even spots on the beach area that were shaded by trees...and I imagine during the week, no one is out there.

 

 

Emma and I had such an awesome time together this weekend, and I was really proud of myself.  Being a single mom all weekend can be hard...especially if you work a job or have been a stay-at-home mom all week.  Emma was an angel and I was truly sad when Monday rolled around.  I found myself wishing I were with her badly all day at work.  I am truly blessed to have her!